Homemade Dog Food Recipe for Chihuahuas With Salmon & Pea Puree for Dental Health

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

Does‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ your small Chihuahua have bad breath and that its gums are sensitive?

I bet you are concerned about what they eat and if it is actually helping their dental problems, but you find commercial options too complicated and costly.

A change is what they need. With this homemade dog food recipe of Salmon & Pea Puree, you get to have a breath that is fresh and teeth that are healthy for your loving ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌companion.

Medical Questions? Talk to a Veterinarian 24/7.
Connect one-on-one with a licensed vet who will answer your questions in minutes.

Ask a Vet Now

*Article may contain affiliate links to retailers like Amazon and Chewy. Learn more on our disclosure page.

Recipe Overview

Here’s a quick rundown of this super simple, healthy recipe for your Chihuahua:

Purpose: Supports dental health and provides easily digestible nutrition.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Serving size: Varies by dog size (see feeding guidelines)

[lasso ref=”fave” id=”19043″]

Ingredients:

1 cup cooked salmon, boneless and skinless (approx. $1.50)
1 cup cooked peas (fresh or frozen) (approx. $0.75)
1/2 cup cooked brown rice (approx. $0.20)
1 tablespoon olive oil (approx. $0.10)
1/4 teaspoon ground flaxseed (approx. $0.05)
Optional: Pinch of turmeric (for anti-inflammatory properties, approx. $0.01)
Estimated total cost for one batch: $2.61

Substitutions: You can swap salmon for cooked cod or chicken. Brown rice can be replaced with quinoa or sweet potato. If your dog has a pea allergy, try green beans instead.

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the salmon. You can bake, steam, or boil it until it’s fully cooked. Make sure there are no bones or skin left.
2. Cook the peas and brown rice according to package directions.
3. In a food processor or blender, combine the cooked salmon, peas, and brown rice.
4. Add the olive oil and ground flaxseed. If using, add the turmeric now.
5. Blend until you achieve a smooth puree. You might need to add a tablespoon or two of water if it’s too thick.
6. Stir well to make sure everything is evenly mixed.

Look, prepping and cooking for your dog is great, but sometimes you might be too tired or maybe a tad lazy, or maybe you just want to give yourself a well deserved break.

In such times, you want something reliable and nutritious for your dog, and that’s where Ollie comes in. It’s my favorite dog food subscription ever.

Fresh human grade dog food sent to your doorstep, and there’s no lock in.

Give it a shot, will ya?

Ollie Fresh Dog Food

Right now, our readers get 50% off their first order, so if you’re not taking advantage, I don’t know what to say!

Try It Out

Feeding Guidelines

For Chihuahuas (under 10 lbs): Start with 1/4 to 1/2 cup per meal, twice a day.
For slightly larger dogs (10-20 lbs): Offer 1/2 to 3/4 cup per meal, twice a day.
Activity Level: Highly active dogs may need a bit more. Less active or senior dogs might need a little less.
Life Stage: For puppies, consult your vet. This recipe is great for adult and senior dogs. Pregnant or nursing dogs need specific diets, so ask your vet.
Always talk to your veterinarian. They can give you the best advice based on your dog’s specific needs.

[lasso ref=”the-forever-dog-life-120-recipes-longevity-tips-and-new-science-for-better-bowls-and-healthier-homes” id=”18607″]

Nutritional Benefits

Salmon: Packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for skin, coat, and reducing inflammation, which can help with gum health. It’s also a fantastic source of lean protein.
Peas: Provide fiber for healthy digestion and contain vitamins A, C, and K.
Brown Rice: A good source of complex carbohydrates for energy and provides dietary fiber.
Flaxseed: Adds Omega-3s and fiber, promoting a healthy digestive system.
Turmeric (Optional): Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can benefit overall health and potentially help with gum inflammation.

Storage and Serving

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze portions in ice cube trays or small containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight. Serve slightly warmed or at room temperature.
Serving Ideas: Serve as a standalone meal, or mix a spoonful with your dog’s usual kibble to make mealtime more exciting and nutritious.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Is this recipe nutritionally complete for my Chihuahua?

This recipe is designed to be highly nutritious but may not contain all the essential vitamins and minerals on its own. For complete, balanced nutrition, it’s best to use this as part of a varied diet or consult with your veterinarian about adding a canine-specific supplement to ensure all nutritional needs are met for your dog’s life stage.

My Chihuahua is a picky eater. Will they like this?

The salmon and peas are generally quite palatable for dogs. The smooth puree texture can also be appealing, especially for dogs with dental issues. You can try mixing a small amount with their current food to introduce it gently.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can make a large batch and store it in the refrigerator for a few days or freeze portions for longer storage.

📖 Don’t Miss This…
Need more ideas on what to cook for your dog? Then you must check out my library of homemade dog food recipes today!